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Inhibitory effects of plasminogen fragment on experimentally induced neovascularization of rat corneas
M Murata1, M Nakagawa, S Takahashi
1Department of Ophthalmology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Japan.
Background:
Corneal neovascularization plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a number of corneal disorders. Recently a polypeptide was demonstrated, generated by the primary tumor, that inhibited angiogenesis and growth in metastases. This polypeptide is similar to a 38-kDa plasminogen fragment.
Methods:
We surgically implanted into rat corneal stroma a slow-release ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) copolymer pellet containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to induce corneal neovascularization. Then we applied aqueous solution containing plasminogen fragment to the rat cornea in order to observe the degree of inhibition of angiogenesis.
Results:
In the eyes of control rats, neovascularization from the limbus to the pellet occurred, graded 4+ in all five animals. In plasminogen fragment-treated rats, there was virtually complete inhibition of the neovascular response to the pellet. Of five treated rats, three showed no neovascularization and two demonstrated grade 1+ neovascularization. The difference in the degree of neovascularization between control and plasminogen fragment treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Our studies provide the first direct evidence that rat corneal neovascularization is inhibited by instillation of plasminogen fragment. This agent may prove useful in the treatment of corneal angiogenic disorder.
Insights
A plasminogen fragment effectively inhibited corneal neovascularization in rats. This finding suggests potential therapeutic applications for corneal angiogenic disorders, offering a new avenue for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Angiogenesis Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization is a key factor in various corneal diseases.
- A tumor-derived polypeptide inhibiting angiogenesis shares similarities with a 38-kDa plasminogen fragment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effect of a plasminogen fragment on corneal neovascularization.
- To evaluate the potential of plasminogen fragment as a treatment for corneal angiogenic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Corneal neovascularization was induced in rats using basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) delivered via slow-release pellets.
- Aqueous solutions of plasminogen fragment were applied to the cornea to assess angiogenesis inhibition.
Main Results:
- Control rats exhibited significant neovascularization (4+ grade).
- Rats treated with plasminogen fragment showed substantial inhibition, with three exhibiting no neovascularization and two showing minimal (1+) neovascularization.
- The reduction in neovascularization in treated rats was statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first direct evidence that plasminogen fragment inhibits rat corneal neovascularization.
- Plasminogen fragment demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for treating corneal angiogenic disorders.